195X Consul 1511 #ZP-26110
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Saul Bryan (Saulysw)
Created: 11-17-2023 at 08:16PM
Last Edit: 11-17-2023 at 09:31PM
Description:
Before you say "That's not a 1511!", hear me out. While you might be right, I put it to you that the early serial number machines had some subtle (and not so subtle) differences that were modified as time went on. This one is roughly 26K into production, and they were using black keys, had the logo painted at the back, and the gun-barrel Z logo. The other tell is the slots near the colour selector switch and the tab set/clear. This was so the panel could be pulled off and the bent levers would fit in the slots.
This particular machine has had a few restoration things done to it - notably the case handle was missing and has been replaced with a non-original one. Many, if not almost all, of the keys has shrunk and cracked, making them unpleasant to the finger tips. These have been replaced with what appeared to be original keys of identical design, with the exception of a few - which I have taken photos of an noted below. The removable wavy wire paper holder at the back has gone missing, and I made myself one out of an old wire coathanger! It does the job, but I did not photograph it as it would just confuse matters.
There are two screws on the carriage rails. One is for attaching the drawband to, and once you have done that you can remove the other screw and the whole carriage slides off. The bearings are captured in a handy-dandy frame, so these do NOT go flying everywhere. I had an issue with the carriage grinding and I tracked it down to one of the bearings having a bent bit of metal holding it in place. I am not sure if this is a common problem, but by pressing the metal tabs around the bearing firmly with pliers I was able to shape it closer to the bearing and the issue was resolved.
The machine types brilliantly, I really like the touch on it. It is a bit beat up, rusty, and could do with more cleaning, I know.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Saul Bryan (Saulysw)
Saul Bryan's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 367
I live in Sydney, Australia. I've been collecting typewriters since about October 2020.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Consul 1511 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Consul Serial Number page and the Consul 1511 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.